Meretz MK: Beitar Surrendering to Racism and Incitement

Entering Meretz MK Issawi Farij commented on Beitar Jerusalem's request to play their next game against Umm al Pahem without fans in the stadium, calling it a "cowardly request which surrenders to racism and incitement."

The request came after three fans were arrested Saturday night during a match for racist chants of "No entry to Arabs” and for holding up racist signs which read, “Beitar forever pure."

The remarks were aimed at two players from Chechniya who are slated to become the first Muslim players to join Beitar Jerusalem.

"Instead of fighting the racist fans, Beitar's management prefers to punish the fans and the fans of Umm al Fahm. The time has come for the management of Beitar and past and present coached and players to understand that it is their duty to stop being afraid and to speak out against racism and violence within the club."